Re-defining my Relationship with the “Fitness World.”

Lately I’ve been having somewhat of an identity shift in my own place in the fitness world, what my purpose is in regards to this blog, and just a whole lot of other things!

Why I started LIFTmeupFitness

I started getting super invested in the world of fitness a few years ago when I met my current husband. He really taught me the basics of lifting, proper nutrition, and got me started on a path to optimal health which I can’t thank him enough for! And when I do something- I put my all into it and fitness was no different.

At the time things weren’t going so well with my original career plans, admittedly, so fitness was a fun way for me to throw myself into something new, something productive- that seemed to actually be going well. It also ended up turning into something that helped me really conquer my body image demons that I really cannot be thankful for.

Around that time I thought my options were endless in this field and that it was something I could see myself doing professionally.

I saw myself competing in the future, possibly getting all the certifications to do personal training and even start my own coaching business. Everything was all lined up perfectly to do this. My husband was managing a wellness/nutrition store, I was also working there doing web/marketing and working towards certifications and helping the Nutritionist/Naturopath on staff create wellness programs. We learned how to do thermography, we were doing podcasts, guest-hosting radio shows on health and wellness, and I was really invested in this blog and spreading the message of health and fitness.

I learned a heck of a lot and I was grateful to be accomplishing things there and helping others.

But at the end of the day- you know- it’s not really where either of us were meant to be. Things all kind of fell apart and many signs were telling us it wasn’t the right path for us. We weren’t happy. We both put the things we truly enjoyed and feel compelled to do on the back burner. When I tell you things got really tough for a while- they got really tough in many ways that I won’t get into.

And through that I realized- fitness and health, for me, became a distraction- a good one, mind you- but a distraction nonetheless from who I really am and my true passions.

This may come as a sort of surprise to some of you who have followed my journey through this blog as that’s the only side you may really have seen! But before I became really swept up in #fitfam and the lifting communities and everything that comes with that-

I was Janine, the theatre nerd. The performer. The singer. The actress. The pianist. The creative soul.

I realized- that’s who I really am. I love fitness. I love lifting weights. I love writing about body positivity. But- I realized that I don’t love it enough to make it my whole life. And there’s nothing wrong with falling in love with fitness and making it your life and career- in fact- it’s awesome. I am so grateful for the pioneers of fitness and body positivity that have inspired me through the years because I have learned so much and have hopefully passed some of that on to others, too.

But you know what they say- you know what you’re meant to do when you can spend hours of work on it and it doesn’t feel like work? All the things I was doing professionally in the health/wellness field always *felt* like work. Even my own workouts felt like work a lot of the time.

But rehearsing and performing a show for 2 months and even giving up my weekends? Not work at all by any means, ever. Period.

I know it probably sounds so super silly, but doing The Addam’s Family Musical really did so much for me in terms of realizing what’s important in my life and what’s not.

A shot from “Pulled” from The Addams Family Musical

I learned to value friendships more. I learned that if I don’t work out in 2 weeks I’m perfectly ok with that. I learned that the feeling of performing is a million times more fulfilling me than the feeling of hitting a PR. I learned that living for the pursuit of being lean doesn’t make me as happy as spending time with genuinely amazing people, eating fresh baked cookies in the dressing room and grabbing a beer after a show.

I realized that it’s ok to “break the rules” of fitness. No, I didn’t gain a ton of weight. In fact, I think I actually leaned out even more which is ironic. I became less worried about fitness in general and it all balanced itself out.

At this time I have 3 more shows lined up for the year and a new vocal singing group I’m a part of, and all of those things are just so much more exciting than going to the gym or talking about my body.

My new vocal group, Chailini!

Another thing I realized is how much I want to help people live a positive, fulfilled life. Not just in fitness or body image, but in all aspects. There are many more issues people need help with. Life is tough. And I’m not a guru or have it all figured out, but I enjoy writing about my experiences and how I’ve learned from them and want to share that with people.

I don’t want to limit myself to fitness.

So in short- this blog may do some changing and morphing in awhile and may not focus just on fitness/body image, but on other things, too.

Still trying to think of the perfect name/concept for my new direction, but I know that I still feel compelled to write- to help others. Not because I think I know everything and am some sort of guru in any way, but because sometimes we all just need someone to lift us up in any way.

I am so appreciative of everyone’s support of me and this blog. Here’s to the future, to embracing life, and living positively!